The Brief

Actor Jerry Adler, perhaps best known for his role as Hesh in "The Sopranos," died this weekend.

He was 96.

Jerry Adler death

Adler died Saturday, according to a brief family announcement confirmed by the Riverside Memorial Chapel in New York.

Jerry Adler Broadway

The backstory:

Adler spent decades behind-the-scenes of storied Broadway productions before pivoting to acting in his 60s.

His theater career included the original production of "My Fair Lady" and working with the likes of Marlene Dietrich, Julie Andrews and Richard Burton, among many others.

By the numbers:

He has 53 Broadway productions to his name — all behind the scenes, serving as a stage manager, producer or director.

Adler left Broadway during its 1980s slump.

Jerry Adler TV and films

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